SignageSo … you may have noticed Southern California is kind of on fire right now – a blaze in Ventura County just topped 6500 acres and closed the Pacific Coast Highway, while a smaller fire continues to burn in Riverside County.

It seems like last week’s predictions about the bad fire season are unfortunately coming true. It’s getting tougher and tougher to sit through these summers, watching your favorite trails and landscapes go up in smoke. But the good news is, you can offer up your time to help the effort – even if you don’t know anything about fighting fires.

The Angeles National Forest Fire Lookout Association is about to launch their volunteer training sessions for the 2013 fire season. Volunteers will help man the fire lookouts at Vetter and Slide Mountains, keeping their eyes peeled for smoke plumes and answering questions from visitors.

Volunteers must attend three orientation classes in the month of May to earn their position. No advance reservations are required.

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by Casey Schreiner

Founder and Editor of Modern Hiker, Author of "Day Hiking Los Angeles." "Discovering Griffith Park," and "Cloud Spotting." Walking Meditator, Native Plant Enthusiast.